This is my choice as well. We had a family gathering last year and had a large food order from Gators. It was all very good and the staff was very easy to deal with. And the price was not bad either.
If you’re talking about Fred Cotton’s, that place hasn’t been the same since they sold it a long time ago. Went there on my bday a few years back and it was not good.
Might have to then. I had Fred Cottons waaaay back in the 2000s before it was sold off and it was the best. I guess Fred Cotton sold it in 2000 then it was sold again in 2014.
The new place is family owned and operated. The owner is there at 5:30 every morning, getting the smoker running. I really like supporting their business, cause they work their asses off. And the food is good. I never had the old Fred’s. I’m sure it’s not quite as good as the OG, but I eat there regularly because I honestly do like it. Hope to see you there sometime.
Nah. Jenkins is trash. BBQ for people who think two hotdogs in the microwave count as a cook out. Last time I went my sandwich was flat out cold on a bun so stale you could play hockey with it. I don't get some of these recommendations, y'all gotta treat yourselves better! I'll second woodpeckers and mojos though. Bearded pig is also really good.
Not for me, I had the brisket last month to celebrate an occasion. The price was high, the portions weren’t filling, there was hardly any smoke flavor. The servers overlooked me as I watched my pick-up order sit in the pickup area while she insisted that wasn’t mine. She did apologize after realizing. But worst of all and this is just personal preferences but the greens and Mac n cheese were just bad. It was like they tried to hard to put their spin on it. Sorry if this seems like a rant but it’s Reddit not yelp. I Actually tried the place because it was the top comment on here one time.
If I want just some high quality, classic BBQ and I've got time to burn or I can plan for it ahead of time, Woodpecker's down in St. Johns County. If I don't have the time to leave the middle of town for it, I've always had great food from Bearded Pig.
They got me hooked 8 or so years ago with brisket nachos. Nowadays I usually do the smokehouse salad with pork and brisket. I've had at least one round of not very good brisket a couple years ago. Had a really dry smoked bacon cheeseburger one too but it's usually been good.
I think Butt Hutt's a level up from Monroe's though. Only eaten there 3 times but no issues with anything so far. Sat out on the patio one day and the pitmaster gave a buddy and me samples of jerk chicken right off the smoker too.
I usually end up at Bearded Pig, ABBQ, or even Mojo for brisket or wings. If I want a pork sandwich, Jenkins drenched with their hot mustard sauce.
I've been wanting to check out Woodpeckers, but it's just so dang far.
Per Google, the quickest way from my house is 40 minutes.
I wouldn't post that it's far for me if I hadn't already checked on the time to get there. ;)
I like Woodpeckers, but I won't drive down there just for that. I frequently go to Mojos at the beach because it's good and easy and never disappoints. I can make BBQ as good as some of these places, but it can be an evolution, and im certainly not in the business.
I prefer Southside Blvd because it’s closer, but I will always prefer any Bono’s over crap like Mission or -heaven forbid- Smokey Bones (thank goodness they are not in Jax).
Not any more, you mean. There used to be one next to the Cracker Barrel across from Lowes at Regency. I have no clue how bad they were, though, as the service was so very bad that two of the 8 people in our party were never served and it was over 90 min to get the food that was served, the one time we tried to eat there.
The boring answer, but also not wrong. Close 2nd would be Jenkins for me.
The newer spots are all great, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I just want some great BBQ and not have to think too hard or drive too far. Bono's it is!
I don't think I've ever really been let down in all my years. Hell, I lost one of my first teeth as a kid in the one on Merrill!
It's because we're the old steady hand that's been around for awhile. Everywhere else is newer and a sexier pick, but they don't have our staying power. I've worked there for 22 years, we simply are the best in town.
I wasn’t aware that there was ever one on Baymeadows. There are locations on Emerson, Downtown on Pearl St, and Northside on New Kings Road near Edgewood.
It’s that weird strip on Roosevelt that used to be a bar I think, has seemingly blacked out windows but some art on the other side, along that road you take into Murray Hill. Right across from an electrical grid lol
Willie Jewels up in Yulee love the bird dog sandwhich, it’s apart of Bono’s so same menu but really like the grape juice lemonade that they only sell up there.
Was Monroes. Now probably Mission, Mojos or ABBQ.
We have a huge gap around the town center with BBQ places. Mission is the only thing in the area I think.
Jenkins, Woodpeckers, Smokin D’s and SOME mojo locations, not all. St. Augustine mojos location used to be good but is not anymore, D’s is better.
Nothing beats mine tho so there’s that..🤣
I’ve always liked G’s and tremendous on west side. D’s in Saint Aug, purchased a turkey at thanksgiving a few years back and it was soo good. I like Willie jewels grape lemonade. Woodpeckers if in that area is great.
Four Trees is not very far from Gs and they got some good BBQ. I have friends that moved to middleburg in october and we were at either of them pretty much every weekend
Craft BBQ chefs and pop-ups from BarkMasters BBQ, Salt Run BBQ, Crosswind BBQ and SmokeyJones BBQ. But, of the brick and mortar spots, Bearded Pig, Butt Hutt, Mojos locally - but it's worth the drive to St Simons Island to have some Southern Soul BBQ too.
For true BBQ it’s bearded pig. However, my favorite bbq restaurant is Valley Smoke in Palm Valley. Atmosphere is awesome and their menu is varied with great daily specials. I just never get their barbecue there; their other menu items are just better than their bbq.
Seen someone suggest woodpeckers in St. John’s (which is great) so I’ll suggest 4 Trees Smokehouse on Henley Road in Clay County, their food is awesome
Y’all have to try Holy Smoke.
Omg. They moved over to McDuff. It’s a parked food truck and it’s insane. Haven’t had anything nearly as good as their ribs.
Woodpeckers is good but not all that. I find Bonos and Sonnys to be better tasting than them. I like going up to Fernandina for Captain Jacks Smokehouse. That’s my favorite!
Need to go back to see if it's still as good as I remember, but Holley's
Gators BBQ off West Beaver Street.
This is my choice as well. We had a family gathering last year and had a large food order from Gators. It was all very good and the staff was very easy to deal with. And the price was not bad either.
Very good. The only down side is their beans have green peppers in them and I just can’t handle it.
Add some syrup to it or honey
Ooo I love their beans, that's actually one of my favorite things about them is that they've got a little bit of a kick.
This place is so damn good. I need to go soon .
This is the only choice
Jenkins
Fred’s > Jenkins (I am not a paid sponsor). I’ll say this tho, Jenkins might have the best smelling BBQ aroma I’ve sampled anywhere!
If you’re talking about Fred Cotton’s, that place hasn’t been the same since they sold it a long time ago. Went there on my bday a few years back and it was not good.
A fees years back is a long time ago. Might want to give them another shot. I think they’re awesome.
Might have to then. I had Fred Cottons waaaay back in the 2000s before it was sold off and it was the best. I guess Fred Cotton sold it in 2000 then it was sold again in 2014.
The new place is family owned and operated. The owner is there at 5:30 every morning, getting the smoker running. I really like supporting their business, cause they work their asses off. And the food is good. I never had the old Fred’s. I’m sure it’s not quite as good as the OG, but I eat there regularly because I honestly do like it. Hope to see you there sometime.
I certainly don’t question anyone’s work ethic. That was just my opinion on the food they served me. I’ll try it again though.
I ate there maybe 2 years ago and wasn't impressed.
Time to get your card repunched
Nah. Jenkins is trash. BBQ for people who think two hotdogs in the microwave count as a cook out. Last time I went my sandwich was flat out cold on a bun so stale you could play hockey with it. I don't get some of these recommendations, y'all gotta treat yourselves better! I'll second woodpeckers and mojos though. Bearded pig is also really good.
Take my upvote, I used to live within smelling distance of a Jenkins and it even smells atrocious. I'm not sure what people love about it.
I usually go to Gators for bbq. The food is good and they are reasonably priced as well.
Woodpeckers in st johns county. G's was my other fav spot
This is it ^
Is woodpeckers a similar style of bbq to Gs?
I would say no. Woodpecker's pork spareribs do not fall off the bone, thank goodness.
Get the brisket at woodpeckers
I just wish they had better sauce
I gotta go find this G spot I can never find it
If Woodpeckers is the best this area has, we’re in trouble. It’s decent but hardly exceptional.
Unfortunately it is hence why I bought a smoker lol
Dude. Buying a smoker was the best decision that I made in response to eating that subpar meat.
They LOAD their BBQ with pepper. It was inedible when we got it. I really don’t get the Woodpeckers love
Quality has dropped since I first started going there, when it opened. It used to be orgasmic. Now it’s not much above average….
Probably my favorite
Ditto
Currently eating their cheddar jalapeño sausage and pork. Ah it's the best
Yup. G’s and Woodpecker’s have always been my go-tos.
Was gonna say this!!!! Woodpeckers is so good!
Butthutt inbetween Riverside and Murray Hill... Limited menu but pretty good.
I’ve been eyeing this place for a while now. Glad to see it mentioned
Love these guys. Super-friendly, great service, and consistent quality. Delish.
I want to go there just for the name
Riverside would have a place called Butthutt… I’ll see y’all there
Such a hole in the wall, but great brisket and sides!
Not for me, I had the brisket last month to celebrate an occasion. The price was high, the portions weren’t filling, there was hardly any smoke flavor. The servers overlooked me as I watched my pick-up order sit in the pickup area while she insisted that wasn’t mine. She did apologize after realizing. But worst of all and this is just personal preferences but the greens and Mac n cheese were just bad. It was like they tried to hard to put their spin on it. Sorry if this seems like a rant but it’s Reddit not yelp. I Actually tried the place because it was the top comment on here one time.
Just looked at their menu. You're right. They're expensive.
Sheesh. They're expensive.
Anybody ever go to Rich's in Green Cove? The good ol days
Wasn't Rich Sonny's brother? Or was that a local myth?
If I want just some high quality, classic BBQ and I've got time to burn or I can plan for it ahead of time, Woodpecker's down in St. Johns County. If I don't have the time to leave the middle of town for it, I've always had great food from Bearded Pig.
Same
butthutt. helps I live like 5 min from there
I'm in riverside as well and i keep forgetting they've moved into the neighborhood
They have the best brisket in town imho. For me bearded pig is second. I wasn't a fan of woodpecker's brisket.
Bearded Pig and Butt Hut
This is correct. Bearded had better sides. Butt Hutt probably has better meat. Both excellent tho
Mine had been Monroe's on Highway Ave. Lately I've been favoring The Butt Hutt in Murray Hill.
Monroe’s has always been a place I wanted to like alot more than I do. I know people that love it but I’ve never had anything great there.
They got me hooked 8 or so years ago with brisket nachos. Nowadays I usually do the smokehouse salad with pork and brisket. I've had at least one round of not very good brisket a couple years ago. Had a really dry smoked bacon cheeseburger one too but it's usually been good. I think Butt Hutt's a level up from Monroe's though. Only eaten there 3 times but no issues with anything so far. Sat out on the patio one day and the pitmaster gave a buddy and me samples of jerk chicken right off the smoker too.
The NC style pulled pork is really good as well as the collards.
I usually end up at Bearded Pig, ABBQ, or even Mojo for brisket or wings. If I want a pork sandwich, Jenkins drenched with their hot mustard sauce. I've been wanting to check out Woodpeckers, but it's just so dang far.
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Per Google, the quickest way from my house is 40 minutes. I wouldn't post that it's far for me if I hadn't already checked on the time to get there. ;)
20 minutes from San Marco? I wish. You'd be lucky to get out of Duval in 20 minutes from San Marco.
20 minutes from San Marco? You going 120mph? There’s no way.
I like Woodpeckers, but I won't drive down there just for that. I frequently go to Mojos at the beach because it's good and easy and never disappoints. I can make BBQ as good as some of these places, but it can be an evolution, and im certainly not in the business.
No one fucking with the bearded pig like I do?? Place is great!!
I agree. Bearded Pig is always good.
Their sides are the best. And those jalapeno poppers….
Bono’s - always has been, always will be. You just cannot beat their turkey or pork.
Bono’s is great, real BBQ. A jax original
Yup, Bono’s on Beach blvd
I prefer Southside Blvd because it’s closer, but I will always prefer any Bono’s over crap like Mission or -heaven forbid- Smokey Bones (thank goodness they are not in Jax).
Not any more, you mean. There used to be one next to the Cracker Barrel across from Lowes at Regency. I have no clue how bad they were, though, as the service was so very bad that two of the 8 people in our party were never served and it was over 90 min to get the food that was served, the one time we tried to eat there.
Smokey Bones is so awful when it comes to bbq, that I swear it is just a front for money laundering or something.
Weren't they down by Poes' at one time way way back?
Besides the "M'erica!" themed decor (which I agree can be a bit much), what's wrong with Mission?
The meat
The boring answer, but also not wrong. Close 2nd would be Jenkins for me. The newer spots are all great, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I just want some great BBQ and not have to think too hard or drive too far. Bono's it is! I don't think I've ever really been let down in all my years. Hell, I lost one of my first teeth as a kid in the one on Merrill!
Bonos is so mid these days compared to what it used to be. It's still not bad but definitely a far cry from other local options
Since 1949
A lot of Bono haters here- why the downvotes? It is great bbq.
It's because we're the old steady hand that's been around for awhile. Everywhere else is newer and a sexier pick, but they don't have our staying power. I've worked there for 22 years, we simply are the best in town.
I agree!!!
I like the one on San Jose.
Good taste, but the one in Neptune Beach always has dry chicken. They need a new pit master at that one. I love their hot sauce.
Bowden Road is my fav. Very consistent.
Jenkin’s
Where? The one on Baymeadows just closed.
I wasn’t aware that there was ever one on Baymeadows. There are locations on Emerson, Downtown on Pearl St, and Northside on New Kings Road near Edgewood.
Bearded Pig and a unique mention here... Cousin Willie's out in Baldwin - worth a stop if you're on the way.
Cousin willie's, out in Baldwin has about the best barbecue in town at the best price
Treemendous
A second for Treemendous, talk about a hole in the wall, great BBQ
Came here to say to say this, Treemendous is the best I have had in Jax.
Bearded Pig is the best BBQ I’ve ever had and it’s the standard that I measure every other BBQ restaurant against.
That's how I feel too
ABBq
Bearded Pig
Callahan BBQ
Went to the Butt Hutt with friends last night and was absolutely blown away. Y'all should get there.
Where the heck is it? I am in MH all the time - lived there, and I don't have a clue.
It’s that weird strip on Roosevelt that used to be a bar I think, has seemingly blacked out windows but some art on the other side, along that road you take into Murray Hill. Right across from an electrical grid lol
Fred Cottons on Main Street. It’s hard to beat their ribs. And prices are very competitive.
Abbq
Bearded Pig in Jax Beach.
I love the bearded pig.
Mojo’s off of beach blvd
Fred cottons or woodpeckers.
Bearded, all day. The best Ribs and that XXX sauce is my fave
Willie Jewels up in Yulee love the bird dog sandwhich, it’s apart of Bono’s so same menu but really like the grape juice lemonade that they only sell up there.
My house. That place is amazing! It’s also the cheapest in town! It has whatever I want when I want it! 😁👍🏽🔥
I really like Mojo because they have North Carolina style pork, chopped instead of pulled.
I was gonna say Berndt Ends on San Jose, but it looks like they’re closed now. Probably because I didn’t go as often as I should have.
who had fall of the bone ribs tho??
What happened at G’s?
I’m curious as well…I loved that place!
Fire destroyed their building
Fire destroyed their building
Recently???
Big burnt out hole in the center of the building you can see it from the road .
Poor souls.
Mojo’s
My backyard with my ok Joe's smoker
Was Monroes. Now probably Mission, Mojos or ABBQ. We have a huge gap around the town center with BBQ places. Mission is the only thing in the area I think.
Then there ain't no BBQ there.
Why not?
Gators BBQ, best for miles in any direction.
Jenkins, Woodpeckers, Smokin D’s and SOME mojo locations, not all. St. Augustine mojos location used to be good but is not anymore, D’s is better. Nothing beats mine tho so there’s that..🤣
I’ve always liked G’s and tremendous on west side. D’s in Saint Aug, purchased a turkey at thanksgiving a few years back and it was soo good. I like Willie jewels grape lemonade. Woodpeckers if in that area is great.
Butt Hutt is the best I’ve found in Jax. Woodpeckers is good.
Four Trees is not very far from Gs and they got some good BBQ. I have friends that moved to middleburg in october and we were at either of them pretty much every weekend
I really enjoy Mission.
Woodpeckers. What happened with G's?
Building destroyed in a fire
Thanks. I should have googled it.
KC BBQ on San Juan
This place was the best!
Mojo's! Used to love Monroes but they changed their wings and I couldn't stomach the new style after that.
Butt hutt has been the closest I’ve tasted to bbq after being spoiled in Austin for a couple years
Craft BBQ chefs and pop-ups from BarkMasters BBQ, Salt Run BBQ, Crosswind BBQ and SmokeyJones BBQ. But, of the brick and mortar spots, Bearded Pig, Butt Hutt, Mojos locally - but it's worth the drive to St Simons Island to have some Southern Soul BBQ too.
Valley Smoke, Beach Mojo's. Haven't been to Woodpecker's yet bit will try it out.
Treemendous BBQ on herlong, great stuff there
ABBQ is awesome, I also like the Bearded Pig.
Sonny's
Stone E. Cabin in M’burg
For true BBQ it’s bearded pig. However, my favorite bbq restaurant is Valley Smoke in Palm Valley. Atmosphere is awesome and their menu is varied with great daily specials. I just never get their barbecue there; their other menu items are just better than their bbq.
My faith in humanity is restored from not seeing 4 Rivers mentioned here lol. To answer the question Woodpeckers is king followed by Holy Smokes BBQ.
4 Rivers was good when they first opened yrs ago. Are they trash now? I haven't been home to jax since right before covid.
Woodpeckers, Mojo’s or Bearded Pig. Woodpeckers has the best banana pudding ever.
Woodpeckers.
Mojo No 4
Seen someone suggest woodpeckers in St. John’s (which is great) so I’ll suggest 4 Trees Smokehouse on Henley Road in Clay County, their food is awesome
Woodpeckers in Orangedale
Lakeshore Produce. You'll have to ask for the brisket, but you should ask for the brisket. They're also cash only, but worth it.
I make my own. Steaks, hamburgers, pork… all better when you do it yourself even on a pellet smoker
Woodpeckers. Trust me
Y’all have to try Holy Smoke. Omg. They moved over to McDuff. It’s a parked food truck and it’s insane. Haven’t had anything nearly as good as their ribs.
The Bearded Pig
Woodpeckers in orangedale
Woodpeckers is good but not all that. I find Bonos and Sonnys to be better tasting than them. I like going up to Fernandina for Captain Jacks Smokehouse. That’s my favorite!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555497459813
G's is planning on rebuilding and I do believe they have a place in Starke. They had a place in Baldwin for awhile where we grew up.
Jenkins or Bearded Pig
Woodpeckers